Wearable support system for load distribution

ABSTRACT

A wearable load redistribution system can include a base support structure and a thoracic frame configured to surround an upper torso of a wearer of the system. The base support structure can include a support frame and a plurality of support members disposed at distal ends of the support frame. The thoracic frame can include a coupling structure, a front plate, and a plurality of struts. A connector member can removably connect the coupling structure to the support frame. The plurality of struts is mated to the front plate to redistribute a weight of the front plate away from shoulders of the wearer and towards the base support structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods forsupporting a load. More specifically, the present disclosure relates toa wearable support system for redistributing a cantilevered weight tothe hips of a wearer.

BACKGROUND

When an individual carries a load, the load can cause great burden onthe individual's body. For example, in military operations, militarypersonnel traditionally wear protective gear (e.g., flak jackets) thatprotects the military personnel's body from projectile objects (e.g.,bullets, shrapnel, and the like). However, the protective gear can berelatively heavy. The heavy protective gear, in addition to otherobjects to be carried (e.g., ammunition, body armor, a water canister,and the like), place significant weight on the shoulders of the militarypersonnel. Military personnel can quickly become exhausted whenperforming exercises or drills while wearing the protective gear.Further, traditional protective gear can limit the wearer's range ofmotion.

SUMMARY

This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of thedisclosure and introduces some of the concepts that are furtherdescribed in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine thescope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a wearable loadredistribution system. The system can include a base support structureand a thoracic frame. The base support structure can include a supportframe and a plurality of support members disposed at distal ends of thesupport frame. The thoracic frame can include a coupling structure, afront plate, and a plurality of struts. The thoracic frame can beconfigured to surround an upper torso of a wearer of the system and toredistribute a weight of the front plate away from shoulders of thewearer and towards the base support structure. A connector member can beadapted to removably connect the coupling structure to the supportframe.

In certain embodiments, the coupling structure may further include aback plate and an extension frame. The extension frame may be formed toprotrude outward from a lower portion of the back plate. Further, theplurality of struts may be coupled to the extension frame.

In an example embodiment, each of the plurality of struts can be matedto the front plate, such that a weight of the front plate is supportedby the plurality of struts.

In some examples, one or more additional objects may be removablyconnected to at least one strut of the plurality of struts, such that aweight of the front plate and the one or more additional objects issupported by the plurality of struts.

According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of struts maytraverse a space between the coupling structure and the front plate,such that each strut partially surrounds a thorax of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the plurality of struts can include a first strutand a second strut. The first strut can be configured to traverse afirst side of the wearer and the second strut can be configured totraverse a second side of the wearer. Each of the first strut and secondright strut may be substantially rigid.

According to at least one example, the first strut may be moveablycoupled to a first edge surface of the extension frame and the secondstrut is moveably coupled to a second edge surface of the extensionframe.

In one example, the connector member may be flexibly biased andremovably coupled to the support frame at a single point.

In other embodiments, the connector member may be rotatably coupled tothe extension frame. The thoracic frame can be rotatable along a guidepath. The guide path may be formed in the extension frame.

The base support structure can be configured to at least partiallysurround a lower torso of the wearer. The front plate can be configuredto cover a chest of the wearer. The coupling structure can be configuredto cover a backside of the wearer. The coupling structure and the frontplate can be separated by a gap and substantially parallel to eachother. The plurality of struts may include a left strut and a rightstrut. The left strut may be configured to extend under a left arm ofthe wearer and the right strut may be configured to extend under a rightarm of the wearer, such that each of the left and right struts cantraverse the gap between the coupling structure and the front plate.

Embodiments of the present disclosure additionally include a wearableload distribution apparatus. For example, the apparatus can include afront shield and a back shield. The front shield can include a solidplate. The back shield can include an additional solid plate. The frontshield can be disposed opposite to the back shield, such that there is aspace between the front shield and the back shield. The apparatus canalso include a first rigid strut and a second rigid strut. Each of thefirst rigid strut and the second rigid strut can traverse the spacebetween the front shield and the back shield. A first end of each of thefirst and second rigid struts can be coupled to the back shield.Further, a second end of each of the first and second rigid struts canbe mated to the front shield, such that a weight of the front shield issupported by the first and second rigid struts. The apparatus caninclude a base support frame and a connector member. A first end of theconnector member may be removably coupled to the back shield and asecond end of the connector member may be removably coupled to the basesupport frame.

In one embodiment, the front shield can include a front frame. Forexample, the front frame can surround the solid plate of the frontshield. The first and second rigid struts may be coupled to the frontframe.

The first rigid strut can be configured to traverse a first side of awearer of the apparatus and the second rigid strut can be configured totraverse a second side of the wearer.

The back shield can include a back frame. The back frame can surroundthe additional solid plate of the back shield. The first and secondrigid struts may each be coupled to the back frame.

Each of the first and second rigid struts can be mated to the solidplate of the front shield.

Embodiments of the present disclosure additionally include a wearableload support system. The system can include a chest guard configured tosurround a wearer's chest and a back guard configured to surround thewearer's backside. The system can also include a plurality of rigidmembers including a first rigid member and a second rigid member. Afirst end of each rigid member can be coupled to the back guard. Asecond end of each rigid member can be mated to the chest plate. Thefirst rigid member can traverse a first side region of the wearer'schest and the second rigid member can traverse a second side region ofthe wearer's chest.

The system can further include a base support structure connected to theback guard at a single point via a connector member. The base supportstructure at least partially surrounds a lower torso of the wearer.

The chest guard and the back guard can each include at least one plateand at least one frame. Each of the plurality of rigid members can bemated to the at least one frame of the chest guard, such that a weightof the chest guard is supported by the plurality of rigid members.

The chest guard and the back guard may be disposed opposite to eachother, such that there is a gap between the chest guard and the backguard. A size of the gap between the chest guard and the back guard canbe adapted to fit the chest of the wearer.

Each of the plurality of rigid members may traverse the gap between thechest guard and the back guard.

This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features ofthe claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolationto determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject mattershould be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entirespecification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

The foregoing, together with other features and embodiments, will becomemore apparent upon referring to the following specification, claims, andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described indetail below with reference to the following drawing figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wearable load redistribution systemaccording to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the wearable load redistributionsystem of FIG. 1 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the wearable load redistributionsystem of FIG. 1 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the wearable load redistributionsystem of FIG. 1 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a front plate structure of a wearableload redistribution system according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a view of a rear portion of a wearableload redistribution system according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a side view of a front plate structure,a strut, and a connection member of a wearable load redistributionsystem according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a front plate structure mated with aplurality of struts of a wearable load redistribution system accordingto certain aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain aspects and features of the present disclosure relate to awearable load redistribution system, which can be worn around the hipsand thorax of a wearer. The wearable load redistribution system caninclude a plurality of struts that protrude out of a back platestructure and that are mated to a front plate structure. The weight ofthe front plate structure can be supported by the plurality of struts,such that the weight of the front plate structure is redistributed tothe wearer's hips and away from the wearer's shoulders. Further, thewearable load distribution system can enable a wide range of motion ofthe wearer's upper torso.

In addition, certain aspects and features of the present disclosurerelate to a wearable load distribution system that can include a frontplate configured to surround the wearer's chest, a back plate configuredto surround the wearer's back, and a base support structure that isconfigured to surround the wearer's hips. The back plate can beconnected to the base support structure. Further, the wearable loaddistribution system can include a plurality of struts that extendunderneath the arms of the wearer to connect the front plate to the backplate. The plurality of struts can support the weight of the front plate(and the weight of a load connected to the wearable load distributionsystem) and redistribute the weight of the front plate and any load tothe hips of the wearer.

These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to thegeneral subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe variousadditional features and examples with reference to the drawings in whichlike numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions areused to describe the illustrative embodiments but, like the illustrativeembodiments, should not be used to limit the present disclosure. Theelements included in the illustrations herein may not be drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of wearable load redistribution system 100according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Wearable loadredistribution system 100 can be worn around a thorax region (e.g.,upper torso) of a wearer 102. Wearable load redistribution system 100can redistribute a load such that the load is alleviated from shouldersof wearer 102 and redistributed to hips of wearer 102. In someembodiments, the load can be a weight of the front plate structure 110.In other embodiments, the load can be a weight of one or more additionalobjects (e.g., a water canister, ammunition, first aid kit, and othersuitable objects) attached to wearable load redistribution system 100.For example, a load can be attached (e.g., hung from or mounted to) astrut (e.g., strut 140), as further discussed below.

In certain embodiments, wearable load redistribution system 100 may be astructural system. As such, wearable load redistribution system can becovered by various fabrics or padding so that none of, or only a portionof, wearable load redistribution system 100 is exposed when worn. Insome embodiments, wearable load redistribution system 100 can includefront plate structure 110, coupling structure 120, base supportstructure 130, and a plurality of struts 140.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of struts 140A and 140B (asshown in FIG. 2) can be rigidly formed and can traverse a space betweencoupling structure 120 and front plate structure 110. For example, astrut 140 can protrude outward from coupling structure 120 towards frontplate structure 110. Further, a first end of strut 140 can be coupled tocoupling structure 120 (as shown in FIG. 3) and a second end of strut140 can be mated to front plate structure 110 (as shown in FIG. 2). Theplurality of struts 140 can extend under the arms of wearer 102.Moreover, the plurality of struts 140 can be slightly curved so as tocreate space for the chest of wearer 102. For example, strut 140 can beformed to have a curve similar to a curve of ribs of wearer 102.

Mating the plurality of struts 140 to front plate structure 110 andadapting the plurality of struts so that they are disposed under thearms of wearer 102 can provide support for the weight of front platestructure 110 without any weight being placed on the shoulders of wearer102. For example, the plurality of struts can support the weight offront plate structure 110, such that the weight is redistributed awayfrom the shoulders of wearer 102 and transferred to the hips of wearer102 (via coupling structure 120 and base support structure 130). As usedherein, the plurality of struts can also be referred to as rigid strutsand rigid members.

Front plate structure 110 can include front plate 112 and front frame114. Front plate structure 110 can surround a front portion of the uppertorso of wearer 102. For example, front plate structure 110 can coverthe chest of wearer 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1. According toembodiments, front plate 112 can protect the chest of wearer 102 fromprojectile objects (e.g., bullets, shrapnel, and the like). For example,front plate 112 can be a ballistic plate or other suitable bullet-proofmaterial. A ballistic plate can include several layers of Kevlar and oneor more layers of steel. In some cases, front plate 112 can be aninsertable plate that can be inserted into front frame 114. For example,front plate 112 can be inserted into an open portion of front frame 114at the top portion of front frame 114. In some cases, front frame 114can be made of a metal or metal alloy material. In other cases, frontframe 114 can be made from a plastic material or a firm material derivedfrom a plastic. Front frame 114 can support and surround front plate 112so that front plate 112 is prevented from shifting due to motion ofwearer 102. In other embodiments, front plate 112 and front frame 114can be fused together. For example, front plate 112 and front frame 114can be coupled together by an adhesive or a fixture, such as a screw. Asused herein, the terms “front shield” and “chest guard” generally referto a front plate structure, such as, for example, front plate structure110.

Coupling structure 120 can surround the rear side of the upper torso ofwearer 102. For example, coupling structure 120 can cover the back,including the spine, of wearer 102. One end of strut 140 can be coupledto coupling structure 120 (as shown in FIG. 3). For example, strut 140can be coupled to coupling structure 120 by a fixing member, such as ascrew. Strut 140 traverses a space between front plate structure 110 andcoupling structure 120 by protruding outward from coupling structure 120(under the arms of wearer 102) and being mated with front platestructure 110. Coupling structure 120 can support a weight of frontplate structure 110 without any force of the weight being placed onshoulders of wearer 102 by redistributing the force of the cantileveredweight at the plurality of struts to base support structure 130. As usedherein, the terms “back shield” and “back guard” generally refer to acoupling structure, such as, for example, coupling structure 120.

Base support structure 130 can surround the hips of wearer 102. Basesupport structure 130 can also be coupled to coupling structure 120 (asdescribed below with reference to FIG. 3). The gravitational force ofthe weight associated with front plate structure 110 can be supported bythe plurality of struts 140, which are coupled to coupling structure120. Coupling structure 120 can redistribute the gravitational force ofthe weight associated with front plate structure 110 so that the weightis supported by the hips of wearer 102 at base support structure 130.

Wearable load redistribution system 100 can be formed or manufactured bycoupling each of the plurality of struts to coupling structure. Incertain embodiments, protruding ends of the plurality of struts can bemated with front frame 114. A connector member (discussed later herein)can be removeably coupled to both coupling structure 120 and basesupport structure 130. For example, the connector member can be fixed toboth coupling structure 120 and base support structure 130 by fixingmembers (e.g., screws). The weight of front plate structure 110 can betransferred to the hips of wearer 102 through the base support structure130.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of wearable load redistributionsystem 100 of FIG. 1 according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a view of a front side of wearer 102 andwearable load redistribution system 100. The front side of wearer 102can include the chest and abdomen area of wearer 102.

The plurality of struts 140 can include strut 140A and strut 140B. Strut140A can traverse a space under a left arm of wearer 102. Strut 140B cantraverse a space under a right arm of wearer 102. In some embodiments,each of strut 140A and strut 140B can be mated to front plate structure110. For example, each of strut 140A and strut 140B can be mated tofront frame 114. Each of strut 140A and 140B can be mated to front frame114 by fusing the ends of strut 140A and 140B with edges of front frame114. For example, strut 140A can be welded to an edge of front frame114. In other embodiments, each of strut 140A and 140B can be mated tofront plate 112 in a permanent manner. Further, each of strut 140A andstrut 140B can also be coupled to coupling structure 120. For example,one end of strut 140A can be coupled to coupling structure 120 and theother end of strut 140A can be mated to front frame 114.

Wearable load redistribution system 100 can include a plurality ofsupport members 234A and 234B. In certain embodiments, support members234A and 234B can be formed in the shape of rotatable extension flaps.Further, support members 234A and 234B can be curved so as to surroundthe hips of wearer 102. Support members 234A and 234B can be coupled tobase support structure 130, as described further herein and asillustrated in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, support members 234A and234B can partially surround the hips of wearer 102. For example, asillustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 2, support members 234Aand 234B can surround the hips of wearer 102. In other embodiments,support members 234A and 234B can completely surround the hips of wearer102. For example, support member 234A can be mated with support member234B, such that the hips of wearer 102 are completely surrounded bysupport members 234A and 234B.

The weight of front plate 112 can be supported by struts 140A and 140Bwithout placing any force on the shoulders of wearer 102. Struts 140Aand 140B may be coupled to coupling structure 120 and can protrudeoutward under the arms of wearer 102. For example, struts 140A and 140Bcan protrude outward towards front plate structure 110. Mating struts140A and 140B provides support for the weight of front plate structure110.

In some embodiments, additional objects can be connected to struts 140Aand 140B. For example, the additional objects can be hung from at leastone of struts 140A and 140B using one or more clamps. Further, theweight of the additional objects can also be supported by struts 140Aand 140B without placing any force on the shoulders of wearer 102. Forexample, wearable load redistribution system 100 can redistribute theweight of front plate structure 110 and any additional objects hung fromstruts 140A and 140B to the hips of wearer 102.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of wearable load redistributionsystem 100 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG.3 illustrates a view of wearable load redistribution system 100 from aback or rear side of wearer 102. The back or rear side of wearer 102, asshown in the example of FIG. 3, can include a rear side of the uppertorso of wearer 102, which may include the spine and shoulders.

Wearable load redistribution system 100 can include coupling structure120, connector member 336, and base support structure 130. Connectormember 336 can be coupled to both coupling structure 120 and basesupport structure 130 so as to connect coupling structure 120 to basesupport structure 130. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, one endof connector member 336 can be coupled to base support structure 130 andthe other end of connector member 336 can be coupled to couplingstructure 120. Further, connector member 336 can be detached from basesupport structure 130 and coupling structure 120 so that wearer 102 canachieve greater range of motion.

Coupling structure 120 can include back plate 322, back plate frame 328,and extension frame 324. Back plate 322 can be a ballistic plate thatprotects wearer 102 from projectile objects, such as bullets andshrapnel. Back plate frame 328 can include a frame or bracket thatsurrounds back plate 322 such that back plate 322 is kept firmly inplace. For example, back plate frame 328 can be a metallic frame that isadapted to fit around back plate 322. In some examples, back plate 322can be insertable into back plate frame 328. In other examples, backplate frame 328 can be formed such that protrusion clamps (illustratedin FIG. 6) of back plate frame 328 surround the edge of back plate 322to hold back plate 322 in place.

In accordance with certain embodiments, extension frame 324 can protrudeoutward from a lower portion of back plate frame 328. Further, extensionframe 324 can couple the plurality of struts 140A and 140B to back plateframe 328. For example, extension frame 324 can include fixture holes338 through which fixtures (e.g., screws) can be placed to coupleextension frame 324 to struts 140A and 140B.

Extension frame 324 can also include guide path 326. Guide path 326 caninclude a curved hole in extension frame 324. In some embodiments, guidepath 326 can allow coupling structure 120 to swivel relative to basesupport structure 130. For example, wearer 102 can experience greaterrange of motion due to the ability to swivel coupling structure 120relative to base support structure 130. One end of connector member 336can be coupled to base support structure 130 and the other end ofconnector member 336 can be coupled to extension frame 324. Connectormember 336 can include a protrusion at the end that is coupled toextension frame 324. The protrusion of connector member 336 can befitted into guide path 326. Coupling structure 120 can swivel relativeto base support structure 130 by guiding the protrusion through guidepath 326.

Base support structure 130 can include support frame 332 and supportmembers 234A and 234B. Support members 234A and 234B can each berotatably coupled at distal ends of support frame 332. For example,support member 234A can be coupled to a left edge 332A of support frame332 and support member 234B can be coupled to a right edge 332B ofsupport frame 332. Support member 234A can rotate along left edge 332Aand support member 234B can rotate along right edge 332B. Further,support members 234A and 234B can surround the hips of wearer 102, andsupport frame 332 can cover the base of the spine of wearer 102.

Wearable load redistribution system 100 can redistribute the weight offront plate structure 110, coupling structure 120, and any additionalobjects connected to struts 140A and 140B so that the total weight issupported at the hips of wearer 102, and not at the shoulders of wearer102. For example, the weight of front plate structure 110, which issupported by struts 140A and 140B, can be redistributed to the point atwhich connector member 336 is coupled to support frame 332.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of wearable load redistributionsystem 100 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. FIG.4 illustrates a view of wearable load redistribution system 100 from aleft side of wearer 102. The left side of wearer 102, as shown in theexample of FIG. 4, can include a left arm and left hip of wearer 102.

As discussed above, wearable load redistribution system 100 can includefront plate structure 110, coupling structure 120, base supportstructure 130, and a plurality of struts 140A and 140B. The weight offront plate structure 110 can be supported by struts 140A and 140B,which are each coupled to extension frame 324. Wearable loadredistribution system 100 can redistribute the weight of front platestructure 110 away from the shoulders of wearer 102 and towards thecontact point of connector member 336. For example, the plurality ofstruts 140A and 140B are mated to front frame 114 so that the force ofthe weight of front plate structure 110 is redistributed away from theshoulders of wearer 102. Further, the plurality of struts 140A and 140Bare each coupled to extension frame 324. Extension frame 324 is coupledto base support structure 130 by connector member 336. Connector member336 is coupled to base support structure 130 at a single point onsupport frame 332. Accordingly, the weight of front plate structure 110can be supported at the single point of support frame 332 at whichconnector member 336 is coupled. The weight of wearable loadredistribution system 100 can be supported at the hips of wearer 102.Support members 234A and 234B can be structure elements of wearable loadredistribution system 100.

It will be appreciated that support members 234A and 234B can beattached to a belt that completely surrounds the waist of wearer 102. Itwill also be appreciated that wearable load redistribution system 100can include shoulder straps, however, the gravitational force of theweight of the wearable load redistribution system 100 would nonethelessbe supported by the hips or waist of wearer 102. In addition, it will beappreciated that additional objects (e.g., a water canister) can beconnected to struts 140A or 140B to be supported by wearable loadredistribution system 100. For example, a water canister can beconnected to strut 140A by a hook or clamp so that the weight of thewater canister can be supported by strut 140A. In this example, theweight of wearable load redistribution system 100 and the water canistercan be supported by the hips or waist of wearer 102, instead of by theshoulders of wearer 102.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating front plate structure 110 of a wearableload redistribution system 100 according to certain aspects of thepresent disclosure. As discussed above, front plate structure 110 caninclude front plate 112 and front frame 114.

In some embodiments, front frame 114 can include clamps 505. Clamps 505can serve to hold front plate 112 tightly in place to prevent theshifting of front plate 112 due to motion of wearer 102. Further, clamps505 can be protrusions of front frame 114 that bend around the edge offront plate 112 to secure front plate 112 in place.

While the example illustration of FIG. 5 shows that clamps 505 areformed at the top, sides, and bottom of front frame 114, it will beappreciated that clamps 505 can be formed on front frame 114 at anyposition. It will also be appreciated that front frame 114 can includeclamps at the bottom and sides, but not the top portion of front frame114 to allow for the insertion of front plate 112. For example,according to some embodiments, front plate 112 can be inserted intofront frame 114 and secured in place by clamps at the bottom and sidesof front frame 114. It will be appreciated that the clamps on frontframe 114 can be pre-formed. It will also be appreciated that the clampson front frame 114 can be adjustable, such that wearer 102 can push theclamps to secure front plate 112 or release the clamps to remove frontplate 112.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a view of a rear portion of wearableload redistribution system 100 according to certain aspects of thepresent disclosure. As discussed above, coupling structure 120 caninclude back plate 322, back plate frame 328, and extension frame 324.

In some embodiments, back plate frame 328 can include clamps 605. Clamps605 can serve to hold back plate 322 tightly in place to prevent theshifting of back plate 322 due to motion of wearer 102. Further, clamps605 can be protrusions of back plate frame 328 that bend around the edgeof back plate 322 to secure back plate 322 in place.

While the example illustration of FIG. 6 shows that clamps 605 areformed at the top of back plate frame 328, it will be appreciated thatclamps 605 can be formed on back plate frame 328 at any position. Itwill also be appreciated that back plate frame 328 can include clamps atthe bottom and sides, but not the top portion of back plate frame 328 toallow for the insertion of back plate 322. For example, in someembodiments, back plate 322 can be inserted into back plate frame 328and secured in place by clamps at the bottom and sides of back plateframe 328. It will be appreciated that the clamps on back plate frame328 can be pre-formed. It will also be appreciated that the clamps onback plate frame 328 can be adjustable, such that wearer 102 can pushthe clamps to secure back plate 322 or release the clamps to remove backplate 322 from back plate frame 328.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a side view of front plate structure110, strut 140A, and connector member 336 of wearable loadredistribution system 100 according to certain aspects of the presentdisclosure. Coupling structure 120 is not illustrated in FIG. 7 forclarity of illustration.

Struts 140A and 140B can carry the load of front plate structure 110 andany additional objects hanging from strut 140A (e.g., a water canister).The weight of front plate structure 110 and any additional objects maybe cantilevered at the ends of struts 140A and 140B. The cantileveredweight (e.g., the weight of front plate structure 110 and any additionalobjects hanging from struts 140A and 140B) can be redistributed awayfrom the shoulders of wearer 102 and transferred to the base supportstructure 130. For example, the downward gravitational force of frontplate structure 110 can be counteracted by the ends of struts 140A and140B that are mated to front frame 114.

In some embodiments, connector member 336 can flexibly support theweight of front plate structure 110. For example, connector member 336may be made of durable materials (e.g., durable plastics or metals)strong enough to support the weight of front plate structure 110.However, connector member 336 may also be flexible in that connectormember 336 may be slightly compressed when supporting the weight offront plate structure 110. Further, as illustrated in the example ofFIG. 7, connector member 336 may have a curved form.

Struts 140A and 140B may be rigidly formed. For example, struts 140A and140B may be made of rigid materials that can support the weight of frontplate structure 110. Struts 140A and 140B may have a narrow end and awide end. For example, the narrow end of strut 140A can be mated withfront frame 114. The wide end of strut 140A may be coupled to extensionframe 324. Further, the wide end of strut 140A provides additionalsupport for the weight of front plate structure 110.

It will be appreciated that struts 140A and 140B can have differentshapes from the illustrations in FIGS. 1-7. It will also be appreciatedthat struts 140A and 140B can each have one or more struts. For example,strut 140A can include two or more struts traversing the space betweenthe front plate structure 110 and the coupling structure 120.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating front plate structure 110 mated withthe plurality of struts 140A and 140B of wearable load redistributionsystem 100 according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, struts 140A and 140B can each be mated to frontframe 114. For example, strut 140A can include an end that is welded toan edge of front frame 114. As another example, strut 140A can includean end having a hook that is hooked into front frame 114. As anotherexample, strut 140A can include one or more fixture holes into which afixture (e.g., a screw) can be inserted or screwed to couple strut 140Ato front frame 114. It will be appreciated that struts 140A and 140B canbe detachably connected to front frame 114. It will also be appreciatedthat struts 140A and 140B can be permanently mated with front frame 114.

Mating struts 140A and 140B to front frame 114 can serve to redistributethe weight of front frame 114 (and any additional objects attached tostruts 140A and 140B) away from the shoulders of wearer 102 and towardsthe base support structure 130 to be supported at the hips of wearer102. Advantageously, wearer 102 can carry a heavy load while wearingwearable load redistribution system 100 without experiencing pressure onthe shoulders of wearer 102.

The foregoing description of the embodiments, including illustratedembodiments, has been presented only for the purpose of illustration anddescription and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to theprecise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and usesthereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable load redistribution system comprising:a base support structure including a support frame and a plurality ofsupport members disposed at distal ends of the support frame; a thoracicframe including a coupling structure, a front plate, and a plurality ofstruts, the thoracic frame being configured to: surround an upper torsoof a wearer of the load redistribution system, and redistribute a weightof the front plate away from shoulders of the wearer and towards thebase support structure; and a connector member adapted to removablyconnect the coupling structure to the support frame.
 2. The wearableload redistribution system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofstruts is mated to the front plate, such that the weight of the frontplate is supported by the plurality of struts.
 3. The wearable loadredistribution system of claim 2, wherein the coupling structure furtherincludes a back plate and an extension frame, the extension frame beingformed to protrude outward from a lower portion of the back plate; andwherein the plurality of struts is coupled to the extension frame. 4.The wearable load redistribution system of claim 2, wherein one or moreadditional objects are removably connected to at least one strut of theplurality of struts, such that the weight of the front plate and aweight of the one or more additional objects are supported by theplurality of struts.
 5. The wearable load redistribution system of claim2, wherein each of the plurality of struts traverses a space between thecoupling structure and the front plate, such that each of the pluralityof struts partially surrounds a thorax of the wearer.
 6. The wearableload redistribution system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of strutsincludes a first strut and a second strut, the first strut beingconfigured to traverse a first side of the wearer and the second strutbeing configured to traverse a second side of the wearer, and whereineach of the first strut and second right strut are substantially rigid.7. The wearable load redistribution system of claim 6, wherein the firststrut is moveably coupled to a first edge surface of the extension frameand the second strut is moveably coupled to a second edge surface of theextension frame.
 8. The wearable load redistribution system of claim 1,wherein: the connector member is flexibly biased; and removably coupledto the support frame at a single point.
 9. The wearable loadredistribution system of claim 7, wherein the connector member isrotatably coupled to the extension frame, and wherein the thoracic frameis rotatable along a guide path, the guide path being formed in theextension frame.
 10. The wearable load redistribution system of claim 1,wherein the base support structure is configured to at least partiallysurround a lower torso of the wearer, wherein the front plate isconfigured to cover a chest of the wearer, wherein the couplingstructure is configured to cover a backside of the wearer, wherein thecoupling structure and the front plate are separated by a gap andsubstantially parallel to each other, and wherein the plurality ofstruts includes a left strut and a right strut, the left strut beingconfigured to extend under a left arm of the wearer and the right strutbeing configured to extend under a right arm of the wearer, such thateach of the left and right struts traverses the gap between the couplingstructure and the front plate.
 11. A wearable load distributionapparatus comprising: a front shield including a solid plate; a backshield including an additional solid plate, wherein the front shield isdisposed opposite to the back shield, such that there is a space betweenthe front shield and the back shield; a first rigid strut and a secondrigid strut, wherein each of the first rigid strut and the second rigidstrut traverses the space between the front shield and the back shield,wherein a first end of each of the first and second rigid struts iscoupled to the back shield, and wherein a second end of each of thefirst and second rigid struts is mated to the front shield, such that aweight of the front shield is supported by the first and second rigidstruts; a base support frame; and a connector member, wherein a firstend of the connector member is removably coupled to the back shield anda second end of the connector member is removably coupled to the basesupport frame.
 12. The wearable load distribution apparatus of claim 11,wherein the front shield includes a front frame, the front framesurrounding the solid plate of the front shield, and wherein the firstand second rigid struts are coupled to the front frame.
 13. The wearableload distribution apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first rigid strutis configured to traverse a first side of a wearer of the apparatus andthe second rigid strut is configured to traverse a second side of thewearer.
 14. The wearable load distribution apparatus of claim 11,wherein the back shield includes a back frame, the back framesurrounding the additional solid plate of the back shield, and whereinthe first and second rigid struts are each coupled to the back frame.15. The wearable load distribution apparatus of claim 12, wherein eachof the first and second rigid struts are mated to the solid plate of thefront shield.
 16. A wearable load support system, the system comprising:a chest guard configured to surround a wearer's chest; a back guardconfigured to surround the wearer's backside; and a plurality of rigidmembers including a first rigid member and a second rigid member,wherein a first end of each rigid member is coupled to the back guard,wherein a second end of each rigid member is mated to the chest guard,and wherein the first rigid member traverses a first side region of thewearer's chest and the second rigid member traverses a second sideregion of the wearer's chest.
 17. The wearable load support system ofclaim 16, further comprising: a base support structure connected to theback guard at a single point via a connector member, wherein the basesupport structure at least partially surrounds a lower torso of thewearer.
 18. The wearable load support system of claim 16, wherein thechest guard and the back guard each include at least one plate and atleast one frame, and wherein each of the plurality of rigid members ismated to the at least one frame of the chest guard, such that a weightof the chest guard is supported by the plurality of rigid members. 19.The wearable load support system of claim 18, wherein the chest guardand the back guard are disposed opposite to each other, such that thereis a gap between the chest guard and the back guard, and wherein a sizeof the gap between the chest guard and the back guard is adapted to fitthe chest of the wearer.
 20. The wearable load support system of claim19, wherein each of the plurality of rigid members traverses the gapbetween the chest guard and the back guard.